We know you have questions about orthodontic treatment and that’s completely normal! We want you to feel completely at ease about every step, so we've thoughtfully planned these answers based on what patients ask us most. If you don't see what you need, please give our friendly team a call—we’re always here to offer personalized support!
Let’s find the answer you need.
Schedule a ConsultationNope! Soni and Snipes Orthodontics offers a personalized approach to orthodontic treatment. Our doctors provide Damon metal braces, clear braces, and treatment using Invisalign aligners.
Since your braces will be working hard, we recommend choosing soft foods, especially right after an appointment! Great options include: soft cheese, yogurt, pudding, pancakes, soft tortilla, pasta, soft-cooked rice, soft-cooked chicken, tuna, mashed potatoes, bananas, applesauce, and soft cakes.
To prevent broken brackets or loose wires, it’s best to avoid: chewy foods (like bagels or beef jerky), sticky foods (like caramel or licorice), crunchy foods (like chips or raw carrots), and hard foods (like hard candy or pizza crusts). You can still enjoy corn on the cob and apples by simply cutting the food off the cob or slicing the apple first! Avoiding these makes your journey a simple process.
Proper hygiene is key! We suggest doing a quick rinse with water first to dislodge food. Then, brush at a 45-degree angle, making sure the bristles reach under the wires and around the brackets. Remember to always follow up with thorough flossing. We recommend using an electric toothbrush like Sonicare or OralB, or one with soft bristles.
Generally, braces do not hurt. When you first get them, or after an adjustment, you may feel a little temporary soreness or discomfort—this is totally normal! A saltwater rinse can help (dissolve 1 tsp of salt in lukewarm water and swish). It's also okay to take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. You can also use your orthodontic wax if your lips or cheeks feel irritated.
Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but the duration is entirely unique to your smile journey! Our doctors will give you an estimate at the start, and a more precise timeline as your treatment progresses.
The cost of braces varies based on the type of braces you choose and the length of treatment. If cost is a concern, we offer flexible payment plans with 0% APR financing and will help you maximize your insurance benefits. Our goal is to make sure you get the care you need.
Yes, absolutely! You can generally return to your normal routine the very same day.
Yes, absolutely! You can generally return to your normal routine the very same day.
Yes, you can still play sports! We just recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliances. We’ll be happy to advise you on the best mouthguard options.
Not at all! There is no age limit for braces. More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment than ever before, and we offer modern options that are discreet and comfortable.
Yes, this is 100% normal and nothing to worry about! Your braces must gently loosen your teeth first in order to move them into the right position. Once they have been correctly repositioned, they will stabilize and no longer feel loose.
For the best results, you need to wear them 22+ hours per day—just remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing. Wearing them only while sleeping is unfortunately not effective.
This is a simple process! Always rinse your aligners as soon as you take them out. You should also soak your aligner trays daily with the cleaning solution to help remove bacteria. Use a soft-bristled brush (not your usual toothbrush) to lightly sweep away any debris after soaking, rinse, and put them back in.
Generally, you’ll wear each set for two weeks before switching to the next, but this can vary based on your thoughtfully planned treatment schedule. Sometimes we may advise changing them as frequently as once a week! Always follow the specific guidance our team gives you.
Patients love Invisalign clear aligners because they are clear, comfortable, affordable (about the same price as braces), and removable (fewer food restrictions and easier hygiene!). Plus, they often mean less time spent at the orthodontist.
We offer options for nearly everyone! We provide Invisalign aligners for teens and, for adults, we offer full comprehensive treatment or the convenient Smile Express at-home aligners program.
We agree with the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation to schedule a consultation by age 7. This is when we can effectively evaluate your child's growth and potentially catch simple issues early, which helps them avoid bigger corrections later. Our free Rising Star program is designed exactly for this purpose!
Yes, we totally understand your busy schedule and are happy to help you save time! We just ask that you check in with our concierges before dropping off your child. We may occasionally request a quick chat with you when you return. Remember, you can also use our virtual appointments for remote check-ups!
Nope! While we love getting referrals and working closely with our dental colleagues, you don’t need your dentist to make the appointment. You can schedule your consultation directly with us!
The cost of braces or Invisalign aligners depends entirely on your unique smile journey, including the length of treatment and the options you choose. We’re happy to sit down with you and develop a payment plan that fits your budget, helping you feel at ease with the investment.
